The conduct of business in the Indian Parliament is governed by the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The following are the key features of the conduct of business in Parliament:
- Business advisory committee: Each house of Parliament has a business advisory committee that prepares the calendar of business for the session, and decides the allocation of time for various items of business.
- Notice for questions, motions, and bills: Members of Parliament have to give advance notice for the questions they want to ask, motions they want to move, and bills they want to introduce. The notice period varies depending on the type of business.
- Question hour: During the first hour of every sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, members can ask questions of ministers. The ministers are required to answer the questions orally or in writing.
- Zero hour: The time immediately following the question hour is called zero hour. Members can raise any matter of public importance during this time.
- Debate on bills and motions: When a bill or a motion is introduced in Parliament, a debate takes place. Members are given the opportunity to speak for and against the bill or motion.
- Voting: When a bill or a motion is put to vote, members of Parliament have to indicate their preference by voting. The voting can be done either by voice vote, division vote, or by electronic voting machines.
- Quorum: The quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present in the house for the transaction of business. If the quorum is not present, the house has to be adjourned.
The conduct of business in Parliament is crucial for the functioning of Indian democracy. It provides a platform for members to raise issues of public importance, and hold the government accountable. The rules and procedures are designed to ensure that the business of Parliament is conducted in an orderly and democratic manner.
